24 Aug 2016

Team Botswana arrived on August 23 from the Rio 2016 Olympics to a heartwarming crowd at the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport. 

The Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, Thapelo Olopeng led the entourage that thronged the airport to welcome the team as they donned the blue, black and white national colours with pride. 

Upon their arrival, the team was carried on a truck float in a motorcade as they traversed through the city to greet Batswana. The jubilant Batswana waited along the Western-By Pass Road as they waved and cheered the motorcade which went through Old Naledi where the residents thronged the streets to witness the historic welcome. 

From Old Naledi, the motorcade proceeded to University of Botswana Indoor Sport Facility, where Minister Olopeng officially received the team. 

The minister stated that he was happy to receive Botswana stars from the Rio 2016 Olympics saying they had showed commitment upon leaving for the games. 

Olopeng said despite the team failing to bring any medal home they were welcomed home with pride and hope for the future. 

The minister highlighted that President Lt Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama even indicated in his social media platforms that the team had done the country proud calling on the country to prepare for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. 

He indicated that the athletes competed with countries that had millions of population having sent even bigger teams than Botswana team. 

However, he said Botswana was amongst finalists in two events and even with the 4x400 relay team, breaking the local record which he said was commendable. He stated that the young boys competed with the best and famous athletes around the world but were not intimidated by their status. 

Olopeng said Batswana should not lose focus about the future. Rather, he said  they need to enhance structures so as to improve talent. 

The minister further revealed that they had resolved to introduce athletics at the constituency tournament adding that they were working with Botswana Athletics Association to set it up. 

He called on athletes to continue training and discipline themselves because without discipline they would not last in sport. 

“Please athletes keep clean, only use training and discipline to win medals,” he said. Ends